During a live panel at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, new details and imagery were unveiled for the highly anticipated stop-motion animation project, slated for release in 2027.
The story’s setting was also officially revealed: the iconic Galar region.
The Pokémon Company International shared exciting new insights into Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, the upcoming stop-motion animation project born from the collaboration between Pokémon and Aardman. The announcement took place during Aardman’s spotlight event, “Lights, Camera, Aardman!”.
Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International, and Sarah Cox, Chief Creative Director at Aardman, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses into the project’s development and discussed their creative partnership. Never-before-seen footage from the pilot episode and work-in-progress production materials gave attendees an exclusive sneak peek of Sirfetch’d and Pichu in action, offering a taste of what fans can look forward to.
Pokémon and Aardman also revealed that this brand-new adventure will be set in the Galar region, a land within the Pokémon world that draws heavy geographical and cultural inspiration from the real-world United Kingdom. This setting is particularly fitting for a collaboration with Aardman, one of Britain’s most celebrated animation studios, and serves as the perfect backdrop for Sirfetch’d’s chivalrous and regal personality. The panel also teased the project’s distinct sense of British humor—a hallmark of Aardman’s most beloved productions.
Phil Rynda, Director of Original Animation at The Pokémon Company International, said:
“It is an honor to join Aardman’s panel at Annecy to celebrate our shared commitment to quality storytelling, memorable characters, and a deep respect for our audience and fans. This project offers us a unique opportunity to tell stories purely from a Pokémon’s perspective, which wouldn’t be possible without the exceptional talent and craftsmanship of Aardman. Their warmth and affection for these beloved Pokémon shine through in every brilliantly crafted frame.”
Sarah Cox, Chief Creative Director at Aardman, added: “At Aardman, we are delighted to bring the tactile, physical world of stop-motion animation to the Pokémon universe. Director Tom Parkinson and his team have created a beautifully handcrafted take on the world we all know and love, using comedic storytelling that celebrates the quirks, eccentricities, and charm of our heroes as they explore Galar in a delightfully original and offbeat adventure. Both Aardman and Pokémon share a passion for creative excellence, and we can’t wait to bring joy to audiences around the globe with this collaboration.”
For future updates on Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu, stay tuned here.
